The seventh round of the NFL Draft often feels like a roll of the dice. It’s the final opportunity for teams to find hidden gems among the remaining talent pool.
Over the years, however, this unheralded round has produced some legendary players who went on to leave indelible marks on the league. Here are the best seventh-round NFL Draft picks of all time:
14. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Drafted by the St. Louis Rams out of Harvard, Ryan Fitzpatrick carved out a remarkable 17-year NFL career. Known for his intelligence and journeyman status, he brought leadership and excitement to every team he played for.
13. Julian Edelman
Selected by the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman transitioned from a college quarterback to a dominant slot receiver. A three-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl LIII MVP, Edelman became one of Tom Brady’s most trusted targets.
12. Bo Jackson
The Los Angeles Raiders took a chance on Bo Jackson after he initially refused to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While his NFL career was shortened by injury, his explosive talent and dual-sport success in baseball make him unforgettable.
11. Shannon Sharpe
Drafted by the Denver Broncos, Shannon Sharpe went on to revolutionize the tight end position. He won three Super Bowls and earned eight Pro Bowl selections during his Hall of Fame career.
10. Gary Anderson
The Buffalo Bills unearthed one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history when they drafted Gary Anderson. Over a 23-year career, Anderson scored over 2,000 points and set several records.
9. Marques Colston
Drafted by the New Orleans Saints, Marques Colston became the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. Known for his consistency and work ethic, he helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV.
8. Donald Driver
Donald Driver became one of Brett Favre’s and Aaron Rodgers’s go-to receivers with the Green Bay Packers. The three-time Pro Bowler retired as the Packers’ all-time leading receiver.
7. Rayfield Wright
Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Rayfield Wright became one of the best offensive linemen of his era. A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, Wright earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
6. Adalius Thomas
Adalius Thomas became a versatile defensive star for the Baltimore Ravens. A two-time Pro Bowler and key member of one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses, Thomas was a seventh-round steal.
5. Jim Ringo
The Green Bay Packers drafted Jim Ringo, who became one of the most dominant centers in NFL history. A two-time NFL champion and Hall of Famer, Ringo redefined offensive line play.
4. Bobby Mitchell
Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Bobby Mitchell was a trailblazing offensive weapon. A four-time Pro Bowler, he later helped integrate the Washington Redskins as the team’s first Black player.
Read More: The Top 15 NFL Draft Classes of All Time
3. Dwight Clark
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Dwight Clark became legendary for “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship Game. A two-time Super Bowl champion, he was instrumental in the 49ers’ dynasty.
Read More: Ranking the Worst Draft Picks in the History of the NFL
2. Terrell Davis
Terrell Davis’s career with the Denver Broncos may have been short, but it was extraordinary. A two-time Super Bowl champion, NFL MVP, and Hall of Famer, Davis powered the Broncos to back-to-back titles.
Read More: The Best Draft Picks in the History of the MLB
1. Richard Dent
Drafted by the Chicago Bears, Richard Dent was a cornerstone of the iconic 1985 Bears defense. A Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Famer, Dent terrorized quarterbacks throughout his career.
Read More: The 30 Best Draft Picks in the History of the NFL
